'It still feels surreal to represent Bangladesh': Hamza

Robi Axiata PLC today officially announced Hamza Choudhury as their new brand ambassador for one year. Hamza, who plays for both the Bangladesh national football team and English club Leicester City, is also the first English Premier League footballer to represent Bangladesh.

The announcement was made at a press conference held this morning at Robi's corporate headquarters in Tejgaon, Dhaka. Present at the event were Robi's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ziad Shatara; Chief Commercial Officer, Shihab Ahmad; Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer, Shahed Alam; and the newly appointed brand ambassador, Hamza Choudhury.

During the event, Ziad Shatara said, "We are delighted to have Hamza Choudhury as our brand ambassador. By returning to his roots to play for Bangladesh, Hamza has shown a deep sense of patriotism. That spirit perfectly aligns with Robi's campaign theme — 'Believe You Can'."

The stage was decorated with digital portraits of Hamza Choudhury featuring the slogan "Super Footballer, Robi Supernet." Hamza appeared on stage at around 10:15 a.m.

Expressing his gratitude, Hamza said he was pleased to partner with Robi, adding that he hoped to inspire the youth of Bangladesh and help develop a stronger football culture in the country.

Speaking to journalists, he also expressed confidence ahead of Bangladesh's Asian Cup qualifier against India on 18 November, saying, "Inshallah, we will beat India."

Hamza made his debut for Bangladesh last March, and since then, excitement around him has surged. Stadiums have been filling up to watch him play, and tickets for the India match were sold out within six minutes.

As a Leicester City footballer, Hamza's weekly salary would be considered extraordinary in the Bangladeshi context. Yet, he has made it clear that for him, playing for Bangladesh is about emotion, not money. He said his connection to Bangladesh runs deep because of his family roots and his parents' pride.

"It still feels surreal, to be honest. I just want to be proud of being part of this country and to represent it in any way possible, especially for my parents. My father was born and raised here, so seeing that smile on their faces means everything to me. Every child wants to make their parents proud, and I feel blessed that I have the chance to make an entire nation proud."

This is Hamza's fourth visit to Bangladesh. He said he always receives immense love whenever he comes here and that he treasures it deeply.

"The love I receive here is something I truly cherish. I try to share that love and support with everyone. It even makes my family want to come back. Every time I leave Bangladesh, my kids say they want to return. So, Inshallah, they'll be back again in March."

Hamza also reflected on what truly motivates him to represent Bangladesh, saying his decision was driven by love for the country and a desire to inspire the next generation.

"I don't really think about money separately. What matters most to me is my love for the country and how I can help improve its situation. Contributing to that progress in whatever way I can is one of the main reasons I chose to play for Bangladesh. I have many childhood memories connected to this country, and I truly enjoy being here — especially to inspire the younger generation to play football."

Hamza arrived in Dhaka yesterday. Before the 18 November Asian Cup qualifier against India, he is also expected to play in Bangladesh's FIFA international friendly against Nepal on 13 November.